# State Government (GSG)

## Title 9. Miscellaneous Executive Agencies

### Subtitle 33. Governor's Office of Immigrant Affairs

#### Section 9-3303

Subject to the availability of funding, the Office shall:

(1) establish a network of neighborhood-based opportunity centers that provide immigration services to immigrants;

(2) increase access to ESOL programs, including by engaging nonprofit organizations and other qualified providers of ESOL programs;

(3) assist immigrants in matters relating to immigration status, including assisting with the naturalization process and applications for deferred action for childhood arrivals (DACA);

(4) connect immigrants to:

  (i) business resources that use the immigrants' skills;

  (ii) employment referral programs; and

  (iii) other workforce development programs;

(5) develop and leverage immigrants' skills to benefit the immigrants' communities and the State;

(6) strengthen the connection between immigrants and the immigrants' communities through civic engagement;

(7) reduce exploitation of immigrants;

(8) establish a toll-free, multilingual hotline and a website for purposes including:

  (i) disseminating information about the programs and services offered by the Office;

  (ii) referring for services; and

  (iii) receiving complaints relating to fraud and other related crimes against immigrants;

(9) ensure that individuals referred by the Office are directed to persons who are:

  (i) in compliance with Title 14, Subtitle 33 of the Commercial Law Article; or

  (ii) authorized by the federal Office of Legal Access Programs;

(10) using information developed by the Office through the hotline established under this section, assist law enforcement in combating crimes against immigrants;

(11) advise the Governor and Director concerning matters affecting immigrants in the State in order to promote and encourage the full participation of immigrants in the State's civic and economic life;

(12) coordinate with other State agencies and otherwise use the resources of the State to serve the needs of immigrants; and

(13) encourage and assist local governments in the development of activities to enhance civic engagement among immigrants and in immigrant communities.

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Md. Code Ann., State Gov't (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)